Handbook : Unit informationEdith Cowan University

School: Education

This unit information may be updated and amended immediately prior to semester. To ensure you have the correct outline, please check it again at the beginning of semester.

• Unit Title

  Social Science Education in Early Childhood

• Unit Code

  SSE3260

• Year

  2017

• Enrolment Period

  1

• Version

  1

• Credit Points

  15

• Full Year Unit

  N

• Mode of Delivery

  On Campus
  Online

• Unit Coordinator

  Ms Vanessa Lauren WINTONEAK

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Description

This unit examines the Social Science learning area in early childhood education. Students use contemporary curriculum documents to develop skills in supporting the development of conceptual understandings, process skills and values in young children (0-8), with the intention of promoting active and informed citizenship. In particular, students will explore pedagogical frameworks and examine a range of differentiated teaching, learning and assessment strategies appropriate to inquiry-based learning in early childhood education. Students also have the opportunity to evaluate teaching resources that support the development of the mutli-literacies of social science inquiry.

Equivalent Rule

Unit was previously coded SSE2011

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this unit students should be able to:

1. Apply the theory and practice of Inquiry-based teaching and learning to the planning and implementation of effective teaching and learning programs that reflect a student centred, differentiated curriculum in early childhood settings.
2. Connect purposeful assessment methods to an inquiry-based framework to monitor and evaluate progress of Social Science education and Early Years Learning Framework outcomes.
3. Describe the nature and purpose of the Social Science learning areas for the early childhood phase of schooling (K-3).
4. Explain how young childrens explorations in Social Science experiences support the achievement of outcomes of the Early Years Learning Framework for children.
5. Identify ways to promote active and informed citizenship in children.
6. Plan for the integration of Indigenous History and Culture, Asia and Australias engagement with Asia and Sustainability in the Social Science learning experiences and programs.

Unit Content

1. Active and informed citizenship and `taking action'.
2. Assessment methods for monitoring concept development, skill development and values development in young children.
3. Australian Curriculum, The National Quality Standard, The Early Years Learning Framework and other associated documents.
4. Concepts of Indigenous History and culture, and social and environmental sustainability
5. Constructivist learning theory and Inquiry models for teaching and learning the skills, concepts and values of the social sciences.
6. ICT, print, web-based and context-based resources (people and places).
7. Processes for planning and implementing inquiry-based pedagogies.
8. Teaching and learning strategies including cooperative strategies.

Additional Learning Experience Information

May include: Lectures, Workshops, Inquiry based experiences, Online modules, Guest Speakers.

Assessment

GS1 GRADING SCHEMA 1 Used for standard coursework units

Students please note: The marks and grades received by students on assessments may be subject to further moderation. All marks and grades are to be considered provisional until endorsed by the relevant Board of Examiners.

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